Don't ask me why I haven't done this before, because I don't know. Tom Harrison paper maps have been our go-to paper maps on our Sierra adventures. The USGS 7.5' maps on our electronic toys have been very handy, but they don't show trail distances - at least not on Topo Maps nor on the USGS Topo maps we download and use in Gaia or Trimble. Today, since my brain was bleeding from researching for work, I had my break researching outdoor apps - specifically bird/tree apps (I have the books, I don't carry them nor read the anymore and wish I'd had them while on the trail. Silly me, that's what the phone is good for!) and Maps. Specifically thought: why isn't there a decent Harrison map app? (Reviews on the first edition were so bad, I didn't bother buying.)
Today, I see there are four of my print faves labeled "2012"*. Released about 32-34 weeks ago for $2.99 each. I decided it was worth less than a Starbucks' latte to try the Mt. Whitney High Country app, since that's where I'm going to be in a couple of weekends.
The one thing I have been wanting to do is figure out trail distances quickly. I read the instructions and gave it a go, and on the first try, boom: 6.3 miles. And as far as I can add in my head looking at the map, that's right. (It figured little bits at 0.1, and that seems about right). That's better than a basic point-to-point distance "as crow flies" as my other apps do. Of course, there will be a XC section after the 6.3 miles on trail, but jeez, that helps a TON.
Sure would be nice if it did that elevation add thing someone was asking for before, but that is second priority to me.. and maybe there is a way for those guys to code that in someday. But for now, happy.
Has anyone tried these new-to-me 2012 iPhone map apps? In any way? Planning or outside tracking, etc? Stability? Data sharing? I'm interested in anything you have to say.
Thanks in advance!
* Map apps are:
- Tom Harrison: Yosemite High Country
- Tom Harrison: Mammoth High Country
- Tom Harrison: Mono Divide High Country
- Tom Harrison: Mt. Whitney High Country
Update: The one map was good enough that I bought the Yosemite HC app which will ultimately get the most use, I'm sure... And the Mono Divide app... Figure I'll test more before getting Mammoth...not as big for us. Also emailed the company with questions and suggestions, and got an immediate, thoughtful reply. Which prompted more questions to which I added the obviously forgotten one: when will the Kings Canyon HC app come out?
Will let you know when I hear.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/18/2013 07:23PM by JustKeepWalking.